Author Topic: Play in the DS axle after a U-joint replacement  (Read 1767 times)

Offline cwest

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Play in the DS axle after a U-joint replacement
« on: August 31, 2012, 11:58:36 am »
I just changed out a DS front axle U-joint on an 86' K20.  I'm 90% sure I replaced all of the spacers and washers.  After all said n done I noticed about an 1/8" play with the axle in the axle shaft.  I test drove it with the hubs locked in and noticed a slight vib starting around 40MPH and some advantageous noises when making sharp left turns.  From what I can find around Google, this seems to be normal since the axle is long on the DS and is a partial floater.  Just thought I'd make sure.  Thanks for any input.   
86' Chevy K20
350/SM465/np208

08' Silverado 1500 4X4 WT

Offline Blazin

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Re: Play in the DS axle after a U-joint replacement
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2012, 10:20:02 pm »
1/8" is about normal. But you shouldn't be getting noises.
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Offline Sartobuilt

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Re: Play in the DS axle after a U-joint replacement
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2012, 10:54:20 pm »
If you put the washers and spacers in, there will be some play. The snapring on the outer axle (holds inner hub gear) pulls the shaft where it should be.